Swimwear Fabric Built for Performance & Style

Shop high-quality swimwear fabric by the yard, including nylon spandex, printed spandex, and stretch fabrics designed for performance in water. Our swim fabric offers 4-way stretch, durability, and comfort, making it perfect for bikinis, one-piece swimsuits, rash guards, and athletic swimwear.

Browse our full range of swimwear fabrics — including lining, compression, and fashion prints — all designed for long-lasting performance and vibrant color. Whether you're a professional swimwear designer, a home sewer building your first suit, or a boutique sourcing fabric for a production run, our catalog has the right material for your project at every price point. Explore more in our swimwear fabric collection or learn how to choose the right material in our fabric selection guide.

🌊 Engineered for Water

All of our swimwear fabrics are selected specifically for aquatic use. That means resistance to chlorine and saltwater degradation, UV stability to prevent fading under sun exposure, quick-dry fiber construction, and shape retention through repeated wear and washing. These aren't general stretch fabrics repurposed for swim — they're purpose-built for it. For proper care, see our fabric care guide and spandex care guide.

Fabric Types

Our swimwear fabric collection includes specialized materials for every application:

• Nylon Spandex Swimwear Fabric – Smooth, strong, and highly elastic with excellent recovery.
• Printed Spandex Swimwear Fabric – Bold prints with long-lasting color and stretch performance.
• Compression Swimwear Fabric – Structured, supportive fabric for athletic performance.
• Swimwear Lining Fabric – Lightweight mesh and power mesh for lining and support.
• Polyester Spandex Swimwear Fabric – Superior chlorine resistance for heavy pool use.
• Metallic & Foil Swimwear Fabric – High-shine finishes for standout designs.

Performance Properties

Swimwear fabric must meet higher standards than regular stretch fabric. Key performance features include 4-way stretch, chlorine resistance, UV stability, shape retention, and fast drying. For a deeper understanding, visit our stretch fabric types guide and fabric weight & GSM guide.

Nylon vs. Polyester Swimwear Fabric

Nylon spandex offers a softer feel and superior color vibrancy, making it ideal for fashion swimwear. Polyester spandex provides better chlorine resistance, making it ideal for athletic and competitive swimwear. Learn more in our nylon spandex fabric guide.

Applications

Swimwear fabric is used for bikinis, one-piece swimsuits, rash guards, swim shorts, competition suits, and more. These fabrics are also popular for dancewear, festival outfits, and activewear due to their stretch and durability. For more ideas, explore our activewear fabric guide and dancewear fabric guide.

Sewing Tips

Use a ballpoint needle, stretch stitch, and polyester thread when sewing swimwear fabric. Avoid stretching the fabric while sewing and test stitch settings on scrap fabric first. For more techniques, visit our stretch fabric sewing guide.

Buying Guide

Most swimwear projects require between ½ yard and 1.5 yards depending on the garment type. Always order extra to allow for pattern adjustments and future repairs. If you're unsure, consider reading our how to choose fabric guide.

Fabric Care

Rinse swimwear immediately after use, wash in cold water, avoid wringing, and air dry in shade. Proper care extends the life of your fabric and maintains elasticity. See our full fabric care guide for detailed instructions.

Explore Related Fabrics

Browse more options including activewear fabrics, yoga wear fabrics, swimwear fabrics, polyester spandex fabrics, and nylon spandex fabrics.